Foreign exchange student programs are a gateway to international education and availing life changing experiences. The incredible opportunities, such as learning a new language and exploring a different culture while meeting academic goals, which these programs provide, enable students to become independent and confident individuals. Rotary Youth Exchange study abroad programs and scholarship is one such foreign exchange program. An initiative of the Rotary NAYEN (North American Youth EXCHANGE Network), the program allows students to choose the duration and type of their foreign exchange participation. They can choose between a short-term exchange in the summer, a gap year, or a full academic year of high school.

When asked to provide an insight into the Rotary Youth Exchange, its spokesperson commented, “Rotary Youth Exchange is a foreign student exchange program for students who are 15 to 19 years old. These exchanges sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries enable students to become global citizens. The exchange students get to unlock their true potential with these programs. Some of the main benefits of the Rotary Youth Exchange program are the development of lifelong leadership skills, building lasting friendships with people around the world, learning a new language and culture, and building confidence.”

The two types of Rotary Youth Exchange programs are the short-term exchanges and the long-term exchanges. Lasting several days to three months, the short-term exchanges are in the form of tours, camps, and homestays in a foreign destination. They take place when the student’s school is not in session. Students generally don’t attend school in a host country during these exchanges but they can tailor the exchange to match their interests or to include tours of specific places or regions. Long-term exchanges, on the other hand, last a full academic year and students attend local schools while living with multiple host families.

The spokesperson added, “The student exchange programs differ from one another, however, most of them include the provision of room and board, as well as school fees. On the other hand, students are usually responsible for their round-trip airfare, travel insurance, travel documents (such as passports and visas), and spending money for additional travel or tours. Candidates between 15 and 19 years old and are leaders in their schools and communities can apply for this exchange program. They can also contact their local Rotary club to find out what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.”

The Rotary Study Abroad program is a scholarship program tailor-made for students seeking scholarships for summer programs for high school students. It includes hosting by foreign Rotary Club on a space available condition, primary tuition and placement in a school approved by foreign Rotary Club, homestay accommodation, including meals with the host family, and a monthly stipend from hosting Rotary Club. Other inclusions are airport transfers on arrival and departure, 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance throughout the program, and secondary travel and medical insurance, accident, ill health, repatriation, and third-party liability.

About Rotary Youth Exchange:

Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the most popular foreign exchange student programs enabling students to become global citizens while learning a new language and discovering another culture.